Three killed in Goalpara violence in Assam

GUWAHATI: At least two people were killed and ten others injured when police opened fire at a mob which had turned violent following the recovery of a dead body in lower Assam's Goalpara district, some 120 km away from Guwahati on Monday.

On Monday morning after the police found the body of Taher Ali (46), a cowherd who was missing since Sunday at Mailapathar area near Rakshashini forest of the district, locals turned out in large numbers and started protesting against the police for having failed to protect the commoner's life.

The mob turned violent and attacked the police with sticks and stones injuring seven policemen and district administration officials.

According to Syamal Prasad Saikia, SP Goalpara, the mob attacked the police team and even tried to burn one man who was riding a motorcycle in the area. Saikia said police had no option but to open fire at the mob to disperse them. Two protestors were killed in the firing.

The man who suffered burn injuries is struggling for his life in a nearby hospital. Seven policemen and two women have also sustained serious injuries. The seriously injured have been referred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital.

Goalpara district administration has imposed curfew in the area. The situation in the area was stated to be tense and senior police and civil officials were camping in the area, a source added.